"But why are you carrying its corpse?"
"I did not want to waste it. Is there anything you guys can do with it?" I asked.
"Lions meat is very tasty and I can make something great out of it," Jasper replied.
"Give me the skin and mane, I have an idea," Quincy said with a grin.
Grald grabbed the animal and lifted it over his shoulders with ease. Their strength will always manage to shock me! Jasper decided to carry me because of my tiredness.
"From now on, one of us will stay with you at all times while you're in the forest," Grald said.
"I'm sorry that I let this happen," he added with a remorseful expression.
"It's fine. I got the opportunity to test myself."
The streets were mostly empty as it was already late. The few passer-by only stared in shock. Their eyes were so fixated on the lion that their necks were twisted in an unnatural position. Back at the estate, Grald dropped the lion on the floor and Jasper rushed inside. He came out wielding a set of knives. He placed them next to me.
"I will show you how to remove the meat off of an animal," he said.
His burly hand grabbed one of the knives. The blade was glistening under the moonlight.
"You use a very sharp knife to gently remove the skin. Follow along everything that I will be doing."
I also grabbed a knife and observed him. Using a smooth motion, his knife pierced the skin and he swiftly removed a thin slice. I followed suit and even though my technique was much more rough than his, I was successful.
"Always use a light grip and don't saw the meat. Let the blade do the work for you."
After a while, the skin was completely off and the flesh was exposed. Quincy grabbed the pelt and went to wash it.
"You should cut against the grain and aim for even thickness of meat."
His knife glided through the flesh and in a swift slash, slabs of flesh were being removed. I imitated him and slowly, I was able to carve the meat as well. My technique improved as time went on. We continued this task until the lion's skeleton was completely exposed. Even though this was not martial arts training, I was still fascinated and was eager to improve myself. This was a necessary skill to learn.
"I'll bring the steaks inside. You can rinse yourself off, you reek of blood," Jasper said.
"There's a hot spring behind the house. It has medicinal properties, so enjoy it. Rinse your clothes as well," he added.
"Why haven't you told me earlier! I would have spent the day there," I jokingly said.
I ambled around the building while breathing the fresh air. Torches were attached to the walls and trees around the property. The yellow glow from the flames lit up the yard. Sitting in the middle of the backyard, was a large pool that was surrounded by several gargantuan palm trees. Steam was being emitted from the body of water. At this time of night, the hot spring had a nice shimmer to it. Without wasting any time, I took off my blood soaked clothes and dumped them in it.
I jumped in, causing a massive splash. The warm water covered my skin and I heaved a sigh of relief. My tense muscles were relaxing as I sunk deeper into the pool. All of injuries were being soothed and I felt my body becoming loose like jelly. Bubbles were forming on the surface of the steaming water. It felt as if I was being reborn! It was so relaxing that I was on the verge of falling asleep several times. I removed my clothes from the pool thirty minutes before I got out so that they had time to dry.
Even if Jasper had not told me, I could tell that this hot spring was out of the ordinary. My strength and stamina was returning at rapid pace. This could a game changer for my training. I could essentially double the amount and intensity! I had to ask them if I could use this everyday.
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When I opened the door, a pleasant aroma filled my lungs. My mouth was already salivating and my nostrils were flared. I practically sprinted to the dining room where the three orcs were already seated around the table waiting for me. In the center of the tabletop was a plate with a mountain of juicy steaks. I sat down and served myself a portion. As I cut through the meat, the juices were oozing out of the pink cross section. As I placed he slice in my mouth, the tender meat melted.
"Lion sure does taste better when it's cooked," I said which elicited laughter from everyone.
While the orcs were devouring the food, I used it as an opportunity to ask the question.
"Can I use the hot spring everyday?"
"Yes, of course. We were planning on letting you use it to increase the amount of training you do," Grald said while chewing.
"I will have to go see my father as soon as possible to discuss the lion situation. Something eerie is lurking in the shadows. I hope that we are prepared for it," he added.
As soon as I entered my room, I began practicing the draconic martial arts. It was not intense, but only served as a way to improve the movements. Even though the changes were not major, I could see the changes in the fluidity. I was becoming more accustomed to striking.
"Good you have almost gotten the basics down," a voice said in my head.
"Drago, you're still here," I said.
"Of course you idiot. I said that I am weak, not dead. Continue on this path and in a few days, I'll teach you more techniques. You will be my successor."
"How great to have a weak master," I jokingly said.